My Obsession

Woke up exhausted this morning. It’s been busy in the office and today my body is aching from two gargantuan workouts this week. I gingerly eased myself out of bed, glanced at my weary self in the mirror, and for a fleeting moment I asked myself “why am I doing this?” Countless hours spent in the gym pressing, loading, unloading, pushing, pulling, loading, unloading, sweating, pushing harder…… and finally crawling out a broken man. How about all the eating, money spent on supplements, and time spent on the internet researching – then eating some more and buying more supplements and back onto the net in the hope of finding an untapped fountain of bodybuilding knowledge. A never ending cycle – always striving to be bigger, stronger, harder…..

So why do I go through all this? What is behind this madness? Am I insecure – sure, I guess in some ways I am. I’ve always felt short compared to my peers (I’m 5’8”) and I have had my fair share of complexes. That may have got me started in the gym – but that’s not what has kept me there. Am I looking to impress those around me – again to some extent the answer is yes. Of course I enjoy being complimented on having a good body and knowing that I can throw around more weight than any of my mates. However, I have a lovely girlfriend and a bunch of mates who would still be there if I wasn’t shredding my muscle fibres several times a week. So I don’t think that’s it. Do I feel the need to compete to satisfy my ego – possibly. Although I have no intention of entering any shows, I have competed on an international level at both squash and cricket (years ago), but I don’t think my ego can make me push myself this hard. What can the driving force behind this lifestyle be?

After much thought I’ve realised that I am simply an addict. I’m addicted to the wonderful euphoria the flows through me after pushing myself to my physical limit. I’m hooked on the satisfaction I feel when I make even the smallest gain. You may remember Arnold attempting to describe the “pump” and likening it to a constant orgasm. I have other hobbies and interests, but there is no denying that bodybuilding is not just a few hours in the gym every week – it’s a lifestyle. Anyone who has been at this game for awhile knows how much commitment is required. Will I be crawling out of the gym again tomorrow – YOU BET I WILL!

"When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it - but all that had gone before." Jacob Riis


Are you obsessed? What are your reasons for playing this game?

I think you hit the nail on the head with regards "fear of being weak". Strength is definitely good!

Thanks for the compliment. Much appreciated!

Glad you like it Mr. T. I thought it was very appropriate :headbang:

Squish - I totally agree with your post. It's quite amazing how the gym is a grand equaliser. Once you're throwing the weights around it doesn't matter how much money you have, what car you drive, how hot your piece of ass on the side is, what clothes you wear or where you live. That stuff all stops at the door. All that is left to define oneself is pure guts and determination...

And to the Captain - inspiring stuff about writing. Sadly I can't lay claim to being much of a writer myself but I do appreciate the compliments. Thought I was going to get bashed to sh!t when I posted this thread.

Any of the old timers seasoned with years of experience and knowledge care to venture their thoughts on this crazy game we play?

Too true DR.... I was trying to paint an inspiring picture - but you're quite right. It definitely does matter how hot your piece of ass is.